Michael Hess Named GMfor New Aloft BWI Airport-Linthicum
LINTHICUM, MD, May 27, 2009 - Aloft, the new select-service Starwood brand of modern, loft-inspired design hotels targeting business and leisure travelers, today announced that Michael Hess has been appointed as General Manager of the new Aloft BWI Airport. The new 155-room hotel, which is located less than one mile from the Baltimore Washington International Airport at 1741 West Nursery Road, Linthicum, MD, is currently under construction and scheduled to open in July 2009.
As General Manager, Hess will direct all areas of the hotel's operations, including guest services, sales and marketing efforts, and hotel administration.
"Michael brings to the organization an outstanding record in hotel management and we are confident that he will be instrumental in ensuring the success of this new Aloft hotel," said Greg Miller, President & CEO of PM Hospitality Strategies, Inc., the Aloft's management company.
Having over ten years of experience in the hospitality industry, Hess brings extensive lodging knowledge to the Aloft BWI Airport. Prior to joining the hotel, Hess has served in positions as General Manager, Director of Operations, Director of Revenue Management and Director of Guest Services at various hotels under the Starwood and Hilton family brands. Hess has also spent time as a Quality Assurance consultant for LRA Worldwide. Hess is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Restaurant Tourism Administration. Hess has also served 3 years as an Air Traffic Controller for the United States Air Force.
Infused with the DNA of W Hotels, Aloft is a new destination sensation featuring loft-inspired design, accessible technology and a stylish urban attitude. Guestrooms include spacious 9-foot high ceilings, plush platform beds, walk-in showers with amenities from Bliss Spa, free Wi-Fi and connectivity devices that enable guest to connect their laptops, DVD players and playstations on to the 42" LCD TV. Designed in conjunction with world-renowned David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group, Aloft offers atmospheric public spaces where guests can mix and mingle, read the paper, work on laptops, play a game of pool or grab a drink with friends at the "re:mix" communal lobby area and "W xyz" bar. The "re:charge" fitness center and "splash" pool give travelers options to de-stress and re-energize, while "re:fuel" by aloft, offers sweet, savory, and healthy food, snacks, and beverages to grab & go, 24-hours a day. For meetings and events, Aloft accommodates guests with its state of the art A/V equipment in its 540 square feet "tactic" boardroom and outdoor patio area. Aloft hotels are also part of the see "green" program, which promotes ecologically friendly practices, products and services both inside and outside the hotel, and also creators of the "Arf" Program, which allows guests to travel with their pets.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
